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15/05/2006
Government grants first drought order for 11 years
The first drought order in England and Wales since 1995 has been granted to Sutton and East Surrey Water.
The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region. It allows Sutton and East Surrey Water to ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling of privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles.
The decision to grant the order follows an application from Sutton and East Surrey Water for a drought order in March. An independent inspector heard objections and representations at a public hearing, but recommended the order because there had been "an exceptional shortage of rain" and that there was a "substantial threat" to water supplies in the region if the ban was not put in place.
Commenting on the decision, Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "The government takes very seriously the well-being of the public and the need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions if the drought continues.
"I expect the company to use its powers sensitively and take account of the needs and particular sectors, to maximise water savings and minimise the economic and social impacts on people and small businesses which rely on water for their livelihood.
"I also expect to see continuing efforts by all water companies to improve their performance on leakage.
"The drought in the south-east remains serious. There have been misleading and unhelpful reports suggesting that recent rainfall has somehow solved the problem. It hasn't. Reservoir levels may have risen, but river flows and groundwater levels are worryingly low, and we are now at the end of the vital re-charge period, which should have replenished them.
"The Environment Agency has not changed it's view - that we face potentially the worst drought for a hundred years."
The Consumer Council for Water asked Sutton and East Surrey Water not to be "gung-ho" in imposing the new water restrictions.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said that there was a need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions later on in the season, such as the use of standpipes. However, she said: "These new powers could have a real impact on people, their lives and livelihoods. We urge the company not to be too over-zealous in applying its powers and to look carefully at the impact on vulnerable consumers and businesses which rely on water.
"Meanwhile, both household and business consumers should do all they can to save water. We all have a responsibility to use water sensibly when supplies are under stress."
Sutton and East Surrey Water said that the restrictions would apply from May 27 and extend the current domestic and sprinkler ban.
Southern and Mid Kent Water are also awaiting decisions on similar drought order applications.
(KMcA)
The order, which is valid for six months, limits or prohibits non-essential uses of water in the region. It allows Sutton and East Surrey Water to ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, the filling of privately owned swimming pools and the washing of cars and other vehicles.
The decision to grant the order follows an application from Sutton and East Surrey Water for a drought order in March. An independent inspector heard objections and representations at a public hearing, but recommended the order because there had been "an exceptional shortage of rain" and that there was a "substantial threat" to water supplies in the region if the ban was not put in place.
Commenting on the decision, Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "The government takes very seriously the well-being of the public and the need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions if the drought continues.
"I expect the company to use its powers sensitively and take account of the needs and particular sectors, to maximise water savings and minimise the economic and social impacts on people and small businesses which rely on water for their livelihood.
"I also expect to see continuing efforts by all water companies to improve their performance on leakage.
"The drought in the south-east remains serious. There have been misleading and unhelpful reports suggesting that recent rainfall has somehow solved the problem. It hasn't. Reservoir levels may have risen, but river flows and groundwater levels are worryingly low, and we are now at the end of the vital re-charge period, which should have replenished them.
"The Environment Agency has not changed it's view - that we face potentially the worst drought for a hundred years."
The Consumer Council for Water asked Sutton and East Surrey Water not to be "gung-ho" in imposing the new water restrictions.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said that there was a need to minimise the risk of more severe restrictions later on in the season, such as the use of standpipes. However, she said: "These new powers could have a real impact on people, their lives and livelihoods. We urge the company not to be too over-zealous in applying its powers and to look carefully at the impact on vulnerable consumers and businesses which rely on water.
"Meanwhile, both household and business consumers should do all they can to save water. We all have a responsibility to use water sensibly when supplies are under stress."
Sutton and East Surrey Water said that the restrictions would apply from May 27 and extend the current domestic and sprinkler ban.
Southern and Mid Kent Water are also awaiting decisions on similar drought order applications.
(KMcA)
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16 May 2006
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Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
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Thames Water has been urged to apply for a drought order, as fears continue that England faces potentially its worst drought for a hundred years. The call came the day after the first drought order for eleven years was granted in England.
19 May 2006
Thames Water rejects drought order
Thames Water, one of the country's biggest water suppliers, has rejected calls to apply for a drought order. The firm has already imposed a hosepipe ban but said that although the situation remains serious, they believed that no further restrictions were needed yet.
Thames Water rejects drought order
Thames Water, one of the country's biggest water suppliers, has rejected calls to apply for a drought order. The firm has already imposed a hosepipe ban but said that although the situation remains serious, they believed that no further restrictions were needed yet.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
24 June 2010
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
United Utilities Steps Up Its Drought Action Plan
With no rain in sight and reservoir levels continuing to fall, United Utilities may soon need access to more of the North West's water resources and has applied to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
13 March 2012
Water Restrictions Expected To Spread
The environment agency has said hosepipe bans and water restrictions could reach as far north as Yorkshire if the prolonged dry weather continues. South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years.
Water Restrictions Expected To Spread
The environment agency has said hosepipe bans and water restrictions could reach as far north as Yorkshire if the prolonged dry weather continues. South-east of England and East Anglia are already in the grip of the UK’s worst drought in 30 years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
